The Irish duo Emerald Dawn, featuring Dawn Lenahan and Bob Lord, perform traditional folk songs at Monument Square as part of the Downtown Troy BID's St. Patty's Day Out event on Saturday. (Jeff Couch / The Record)

TROY -- Despite the chilly weather, a bright sun shone on folks who found plenty to do, and plenty to eat and drink, during Troy's St. Patty's Day Out celebration Saturday afternoon.

Downtown Troy's streets and alleys were filled with people dressed in green, making their way to bars and restaurants, marking the day set aside to remember the Catholic Saint who brought Christianity to the Emerald Isle centuries ago.

Sponsored by the Downtown Troy BID, Saturday's event featured music, food and drink specials at dozens of restaurants and bars around downtown.

"The idea came from a desire from the bar and restaurant owners that there should be a signature event for downtown Troy," said Downtown Troy BID's executive director Elizabeth Young.

Advertisement

"We all just really wanted to spread the word that the downtown area is a really happening place. Just like Albany has the parade, we want to offer something different."

A staging area on Monument Square hosted musical acts performing Irish classics like 'Danny Boy,' by the duo Emerald Dawn.

"It's wonderful," said Meghan, 28, seated at one of the café tables arrayed along the square as Emerald Dawn finished its set, to be followed by a quintet called Missing Link.

Young's own plans for the day included stops at some of the premier attractions planned for the day.

"I was out earlier at Monument Square with Emerald Dawn, then I went to the Farmer's Market, and I'll be meeting some friends later at Finnbar's for a more low-key evening" Young said, but not before sharing her non-traditional dinner plans.

"I bought a rabbit at the Farmer's Market, and I'm going to cook it tonight. I've never cooked rabbit before, so we'll see."

Young hopes that this year's emphasis on downtown's wide array of cafés, restaurants and bars will bring people out.

"This is kind of a preview for a larger, more signature event next year," Young hinted. "I can't say what it is, but it will be an event that is unique."

Bootleggers on Broadway featured special Irish-themed menu items including Irish Bacon and Cabbage, and Irish Whisky Wings.

Downtown's Illium Café was filled with folks enjoying breakfast and brunch as the music played outside on the square.

Other local restaurants and bars participating in the St. Patty's Day Out festivities included Broadway Café, Ryan's Wake, Sweet Sue's, Daisy Baker's and The Daily Grind, among many others.

The Rensselaer County Historical Society was hosting a special gallery talk with William G. Carey, Jr., a private collector who contributed to the organization's Maureen Stapleton exhibit. The Troy Trolley also provided rides around downtown.